BA (Hons) Applied Art and Design
About This Course
If you are a little unsure of where you would like your creative skills to take you then this degree is for you.
At Level 4 you will learn the fundamental skills to cover a variety of applied art and design areas, you can experiment, learn and have fun trying new things.
Then at Level 5 you will specialise in the area you are interested in based on what you have learnt about yourself and your talents at Level 4. You will research that area to find out how to break into your market. This degree gives you the freedom to produce the work you will need to get into industry by allowing you to create briefs to meet the needs you have identified through your own studies. You will have the chance to work with industry meeting external briefs and building a strong portfolio of relevant work. Throughout all this you will have support from experienced staff who will help you to develop your skills still further.
Finally, Level 6 is all about you and your chosen career. You begin by researching and creating an academic piece that will showcase your knowledge which informs your Final Major Project. You will have the whole of the last year to create an outstanding piece of work to a professional standard. The Project will be your launchpad into the industry of your choice in design, applied art, 2D or 3D, moving image. Staff will help you to decide what your real strengths are and how best to pursue them.
Course Person Specification Full Course SpecificationStandard Offer:
The successful applicant will require 80 UCAS Points in a media related subject, or 60 Access to Higher Education Credits (of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3). You are required to hold English and Maths GCSE (or equivalent) at Grade C/4. A portfolio/body of work will be required to evidence an informed interest in and appreciation of the subject area.
Non-Standard Offer:
The non-standard entry pathway is intended to support students who may not meet the standard academic entry requirements of a HE programme, normally Level 3 qualifications which attract UCAS points (for instance A-Levels or BTEC Level 3 courses). An applicant must be able to demonstrate recent work/experience in the relevant sector which would give them skills and knowledge comparable to applicants with Level 3 qualifications.
All non-traditional applicants will be assessed through an interview assessing their overall interest in the subject matter as well as current academic skills. They will be set an appropriate piece of work designed to judge their creative and academic skills. A judgement is then made considering their academic potential and relevant experience and skills. For example, a person may not have a background in design, but has creative flair, excellent problem solving and teamwork abilities and the desire to change careers through training. In line with a strengths-based approach to widening participation, students without direct experience will be offered extra support from the Success Coaches, as well as the Academic Support Coach, and will also benefit from regular tutorials with the Programme Leader so that they feel they are fully supported during their educational journey.
Level 4 - a chance to experiment:
- Fundamentals of Visualisation
- Fundamentals of Digital Design
- 3D Exploration
- Styles and Semiotics
- Applied Art Techniques
- First Steps in Moving Image Design
Level 5 - specialise in your chosen area:
- Industry Research
- Contemporary Issues in Art and Design
- Industry Practice
- Fantasy Project
- Commercial Project
Level 6 is all about you:
- Final Research Project
- Final Major Project
- Professional Practice
All modules are mandatory to pass the degree.
Demonstrations using a variety of materials, mediums and industry methods of working. One-to-one sessions will build on your needs and allow for specialisation. Seminars will introduce and familiarise you with key concepts and skills. You will be encouraged to participate and express opinions.
Peer review sessions are used to encourage you to develop critical analysis, presentation skills, and confidence in your abilities. These discussions are used to develop your confidence and growth as practitioners.
Workshops are essential for you to learn and develop new skills in the design studio and supporting workshops. You are encouraged to work independently and to learn from your peers in a collaborative environment.
Research and independent learning to widen your theoretical and practical knowledge independently and demonstrate this knowledge through the production of project work and in the peer review sessions.
One-to-one tutorials for support or further development of a particular skill set.
You are encouraged to develop both traditional and digital skills to enable you to compete in the creative world; to exhibit your work traditionally and digitally, locally, nationally and globally.
Work related learning is across all levels. You are encouraged to develop contacts and industry links with support from staff. You can work with clients sourced by teaching staff; or you could source your own external placement or external brief.
The degree is part of the Business, Arts and Media School and gives you the chance to work collaboratively with students on other degrees such as creative writing, film studies and photography. Using the open studio model, you have a home base where you are welcome to work at any time as well as during timetabled sessions. The timetable will remain unchanged across the year allowing you the chance to arrange work and family around your studies.
The programme also benefits from the high pastoral care provided by the wider TEC Partnership and the dedicated HE Academic Coach.
Progression from the degree would be into creative roles such as in graphic design, surface pattern design, digital design, marketing, character design, book and comic publishing; or onto Masters courses in design, visual communications and art related subjects; or into teaching.
